Award-winning actor Zolisa Xaluva is fighting to recover R350,000 in unpaid salaries for his lead role in the Mzansi Magic drama series Code 13. The veteran actor is taking legal action against Seriti Productions after an arbitration ruling found the production company in breach of their agreement.
According to City Press, Xaluva has approached the Johannesburg High Court to enforce an arbitration award granted earlier this year. The ruling by the Arbitration Association of Southern Africa found that Seriti Productions failed to pay Xaluva for work done between March and April last year.
Legal papers filed on February 26, 2025, reveal that Xaluva had a contract with the production house, agreeing to be paid based on the number of times he was called to set. The contract stated that payments would continue until the drama series ended, unless both parties agreed to an earlier or extended termination in writing.
The agreement also outlined that any disputes would first be resolved through negotiations. If that failed, either party had the right to escalate the matter formally. However, despite the arbitration ruling in Xaluva’s favor, the production company allegedly still owes him money.
Seriti Productions reportedly filed a counterclaim against the actor, but it was dismissed by the arbitrator. The production house is well known for creating hit shows such as Skeem Saam on SABC1 and Gomora on Mzansi Magic.
Speaking to City Press, Xaluva remained reserved about the legal battle, saying, “In these instances, I am just a bystander waiting for my things to come through.”
His lawyer, Modise Sefume, confirmed the case but declined to comment further, stating, “I can confirm that there is a legal matter.”
